Niger Flood Tragedy: Amnesty International Urges Swift Government Response as Death Toll Surpasses 200

Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action following the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State, which have claimed over 200 lives and left more than 500 individuals missing.

The international human rights organization made the call on Tuesday through a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, emphasizing that unless comprehensive steps are taken, more lives could be lost in future flooding events.

“The federal and state governments must urgently identify flood-prone areas, issue timely warnings, and educate the public on how to stay safe before, during, and after flooding,” Amnesty said.

The organization stressed the importance of people-centered emergency response plans, highlighting the need for safe evacuation routes, trained rescue teams, emergency service locations, and robust communication systems.

Amnesty International also sounded the alarm over broader environmental concerns, noting that 32 states across Nigeria are at high risk of flooding in 2025, raising the stakes for nationwide preparedness.

“This is not just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. Without immediate and effective planning, more communities will suffer,” the group stated.

Floods have become increasingly common and deadly in Nigeria due to climate change, poor infrastructure, and weak emergency planning. In the aftermath of the Mokwa disaster, humanitarian concerns are rising over displaced families, destroyed homes, and the threat of disease outbreaks.

Amnesty called for stronger, proactive efforts at both state and federal levels to ensure that lives and properties are protected from preventable disasters.